Shloka 5.12.1

द्वादशः सर्गः — हनूमतः अन्तःपुरविचयः (Hanuman’s Search Through Ravana’s Inner Apartments)

Devanagari script

स तस्य मध्ये भवनस्य मारुतिर्लतागृहांश्चित्रगृहान्निशागृहान्।जगाम सीतां प्रति दर्शनोत्सुकोन चैव तां पश्यति चारुदर्शनाम्।।।।

Transliteration

sa tasya madhye bhavanasya mārutiḥ

latāgṛhāṃś citragṛhān niśāgṛhān |

jagāma sītāṃ prati darśanotsuko

na caiva tāṃ paśyati cārudarśanām ||

Translation

In the midst of that mansion, Māruti—eager to behold Sītā—went through the vine-bowers, the painted halls, and the night-chambers; yet he did not see her, that lady of beautiful appearance.

Context

Anxious to find Sita, Hanuman revisited the bowers of creepers, picture galleries and domitories located in the midst of the mansion, but did not find that beautiful Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān (Māruti)
• Sītā
• Laṅkā (implicit palace setting)
• Rāvaṇa’s mansion (bhavana)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here appears as steadfast duty: Hanumān prioritizes his mission to locate Sītā over distractions, demonstrating commitment to a righteous purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān searches different sections of the palace complex—bowers, galleries, and sleeping quarters—yet Sītā is still not found.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance and single-pointed devotion to service (sevā) in the cause of Rāma.